In an effort to ensure that the UC Merced Alumni Association Board (UCMAA Board) is not only comprised of the best alumni applicants but is also representative of the alumni population at large in terms of gender, class year, school and region, the following scoring system has been created to aid the Nominating Committee in reviewing the applications.
The UCMAA Board application process is a holistic review of the new applicants and re-applying board members. This rubric is used as a minimum review threshold in determining which applicants may be selected for an interview with the Nominating Committee. This rubric, the interview, current board culture and current board composition are all factors in the selection process. The evaluation process will continue to be redefined and evolve each year as needed to ensure that the alumni leadership represents the association at the present time.
The Nominating Committee is comprised of the Immediate Past President, Vice President, Director of Alumni Relations and two board members that are appointed by the President and approved by the UCMAA Board. The Nominating Committee will thoroughly review all applications using a point system, select candidates will be extended an opportunity to interview and finalists will be recommended to the UCMAA Board* for review and approval. Those who have been approved by the UCMAA Board will serve a three-year term starting from July 1, 2024 and ending on June 30, 2027.
Stay up to date with the UCMAA Board Application process by joining us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Once you submit your application we invite you to post an update on social media using #UCMAABoardApps. If you have any questions please contact the Office of Alumni Relations directly at 209.228.ALUM or alumni@ucmerced.edu.
*Note: UCMAA Board members who are re-applying are not permitted to participate in the review and voting of applications.
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE APPLICATION CRITERIA
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1 (0-3 POINTS):
What skills, experiences, or abilities would make the greatest impact on your service to the UCMAA Board? Please explain how you could contribute to one or more of the UCMAA’s current priorities, such as alumni engagement, student recruitment and enrollment, philanthropy and donor support, advocacy, or other strategic initiatives that strengthen UC Merced.
New Applicants: Please describe one concrete initiative, project, or contribution you would realistically pursue in your first year as a board member that aligns with UCMAA’s current priorities.
Re-applying Board Members: Please describe your most meaningful contribution during your current term and how you would help advance one of UCMAA’s current priorities during the next three-year term.
QUESTION 2 (0-3 POINTS):
Within the past 3 years, what has been your most meaningful or impactful experience, and how will this experience drive your involvement on the UCMAA Board?
QUESTION 3 (0-3 POINTS):
ABoard service typically includes regular board meetings, committee work, alumni engagement activities, and occasional events or outreach responsibilities. A conservative estimate is 5–10 hours per month, though some periods may require more time depending on board initiatives and event cycles. How will you make your involvement on the UCMAA Board a priority amongst your prior commitments?
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
QUESTION 4: PHILANTHROPY (0-6 POINTS):
Philanthropy is a priority of the UCMAA Board to support UC Merced’s immense transformational efforts. The Board culture supports 100% meaningful giving to our alma mater by each individual Board member.As such:
- What is your personal definition of philanthropy and its impact? (0-3 Points)
- Why and how would you support UC Merced through philanthropy? (0-3 Points)
MOTIVATION:
- QUESTION 5: What inspired you to apply to the UCMAA Board?
- QUESTION 6: Who recommended and/or referred you to apply for the UC Merced Alumni Board?
PARTICIPATION (0-2 POINTS):
Overall involvement and engagement as an alumnus is a key factor in the application evaluation process.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
RESUME:
Applicants will be required to submit a copy of their current resume to provide experiential context to the Nominating Committee and UCMAA Board – the inclusion of volunteer history is recommended.
INTERVIEW:
The committee may conduct interviews in the month of June.



